Woman Charged for Smuggling 108 Pounds of Methamphetamine Across the US-Mexico Border

Woman Charged for Smuggling 108 Pounds of Methamphetamine Across the US-Mexico Border

The following press release was published by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys on July 5. It is reproduced in full below.

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Maria Arredondo De Sanchez, 56, of Mexico, was charged by criminal complaint on July 1, 2022, for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Importation of Methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.

The complaint alleges that on June 30, 2022, Arredondo De Sanchez entered the United States through the San Luis Port of Entry where Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 105 packages hidden in Arredondo De Sanchez’s car. The packages contained a white crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The combined weight of the packages was over 108 pounds.

A conviction for each charged offense carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER: 2022-MJ-02088

RELEASE NUMBER: 2022-107_Arredondo De Sanchez

Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys

More News